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Homicide rate increases in Scotland Homicide figures increase in Scotland
(about 2 hours later)
The number of people killed in Scotland has risen for the first time in seven years, according to new statistics.The number of people killed in Scotland has risen for the first time in seven years, according to new statistics.
Official figures reveal that there were 64 victims of murder or culpable homicide north of the border in 2016/17, up from 58 the previous year.Official figures reveal that there were 64 victims of murder or culpable homicide north of the border in 2016/17, up from 58 the previous year.
Despite the rise, killings remain at historically low levels.Despite the rise, killings remain at historically low levels.
A total of 61 homicide cases were recorded by police in the year to March - the second lowest annual figure since records began in 1976.A total of 61 homicide cases were recorded by police in the year to March - the second lowest annual figure since records began in 1976.
Three of the incidents involved more than one victim.Three of the incidents involved more than one victim.
Over 10 years, from 2007/08 to 2016/17, the number of homicides has fallen from 115 to 61.Over 10 years, from 2007/08 to 2016/17, the number of homicides has fallen from 115 to 61.
The figures were published in an annual report on homicide in Scotland by the country's chief statistician.The figures were published in an annual report on homicide in Scotland by the country's chief statistician.
It also reveals that:It also reveals that:
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "While we have seen large reductions in homicides over the past 10 years, every death represents a tragic loss of life, leaving friends and families grieving.Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "While we have seen large reductions in homicides over the past 10 years, every death represents a tragic loss of life, leaving friends and families grieving.
"That is why we will maintain our efforts across justice and public services, through education and enforcement, to continue driving down violence in our communities."That is why we will maintain our efforts across justice and public services, through education and enforcement, to continue driving down violence in our communities.
"We continue to ensure our law enforcement agencies and courts have the resources to deal with those who harm others, while supporting prevention work with young people and projects that help people break free from cycles of violence.""We continue to ensure our law enforcement agencies and courts have the resources to deal with those who harm others, while supporting prevention work with young people and projects that help people break free from cycles of violence."